Bulletin: OR2020002

Dear Associates:

The Oregon Legislative Assembly has passed House Bill 4212; it became effective on June 30, 2020. Among other items, this bill updates Oregon’s notary laws and authorizes remote notarizations in Oregon through June 30, 2021. The bill establishes the requirements for the process by which a remote notary may be certified. It also establishes the procedures by which a remote notary may perform a remote notarization, including the standards for determining an individual’s identity and the standards for equipment, software and hardware by which a notary may perform a remote notarization. HB 4212 requires that the remote notary ensure that an electronic journal and electronic recording be maintained. The bill has also amended the fees that a notary may charge for remote notarial acts. Pursuant to the HB 4212 a notary public shall notify the Secretary of State that the notary public will be performing notarial acts with respect to electronic records and identify the technology the notary public intends to use. The Secretary of State has authorized certain platforms for use, however, for title insurance purposes please use one of Stewart’s approved platforms as outlined in the Stewart Bulletins referenced below.

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